Package manufacturing method and semiconductor device

ABSTRACT

A method for manufacturing a package comprises a first step of forming a metal pattern including a frame and a plurality of leads extending inward from the frame, a second step of molding a resin pattern including a first resin portion which holds the plurality of leads from an inner side thereof, and second resin portions which cover bottom surfaces of peripheral portions, adjacent to portions to be removed, in the plurality of leads while exposing bottom surfaces of the portions to be removed in the plurality of leads, so as to hold the plurality of leads from a lower side thereof, and a third step of cutting the plurality of leads into a plurality of first leads and a plurality of second leads by removing the portions to be removed in the plurality of leads while the resin pattern keeps holding the peripheral portions in the plurality of leads.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a package manufacturing method and semiconductor device.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent image sensors such as a CCD image sensor and CMOS image sensor, digitization of output electrical signals increases the number of output electrical signals. This boosts the need to increase the number of output terminals of the package. Further, image sensors and products containing the packages of the image sensors are shrinking in size. The package needs to increase the packaging density that is the number of output terminals per unit packaging area of the package. However, decreasing the pitch between output terminals of the package has a limit, so the packaging density needs to be increased without decreasing the pitch. As a package that satisfies these demands, there is proposed a land grid array (LGA) package in which land electrodes are two-dimensionally arrayed on the bottom surface of the package.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-246532 discloses a method of manufacturing a land grid array (LGA) semiconductor device in which a semiconductor device is held on a surface opposite to the bottom surface of a wiring board having a plurality of land electrodes on the bottom surface, and is electrically connected to the electrodes. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(a) of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-246532, a metal plate is stamped or etched, integrally molding a lead frame 10 having a die pad 13, inside inner leads 14A, and outside inner leads 14B. Recesses 14b, and projections 14a serving as lands are formed on the bottom surface of the lead frame 10. As shown in FIG. 3(b) of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-246532, an adhesive tape 20 is adhered to the bottom surfaces of the die pad 13, inside inner lead 14A, and outside inner lead 14B. Then, as shown in FIG. 3(c) of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-246532, a cutting punch 21 is used to punch the region between the die pad 13 and the inside inner lead 14A or that between the inside inner lead 14A and the outside inner lead 14B. As a result, the die pad 13 and the inside inner lead 14A are isolated as shown in FIG. 3(d) of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-246532. A semiconductor device is fixed to the die pad 13, the external terminals of the semiconductor device are connected to the inside inner leads 14A and outside inner leads 14B, and the adhesive tape 20 are removed. After that, as shown in FIG. 5(b) of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-246532, the semiconductor device and lead frame 10 are sealed with a resin. According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-246532, a compact lead frame having a land grid array can be easily formed from a single-layered metal plate.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-24083 discloses a method of manufacturing a resin-sealed semiconductor device in which a plurality of land electrodes electrically connected to a semiconductor device are arrayed on the bottom surface. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-24083, a punching member 17 punches a metal plate 13 so as to cut it halfway, thereby forming a terminal land frame including land structures 12 as shown in FIG. 2 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-24083. As shown in FIG. 9(b) of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-24083, a semiconductor device 30 is bonded to a surface of the terminal land frame on which land structures 28 project. As shown in FIG. 9(c) of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-24083, the semiconductor device 30 is wire-bonded to a land structure 28c and the like. As shown in FIG. 9(d) of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-24083, the terminal land frame and semiconductor device 30 are sealed with a sealing resin 32. Then, as shown in FIG. 9(e) of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-24083, the bottom surfaces of the land structures 28 are pushed up by a push pin from below them, thereby applying a press force. Accordingly, the land structures 28 are separated from a frame main body 26, as shown in FIG. 9(f) of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-24083. In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-24083, the land structures 28 are buried in the sealing resin 32 and formed inside it without peeling off. A resin-sealed semiconductor device having land electrodes can therefore be implemented.

In the manufacturing method described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-24083, the land structures 28 are separated from the frame main body 26 by directly applying a press force to prospective land electrode surfaces (bottom surfaces of the land structures 28).

The manufacturing method described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-246532 does not mention how to hold the isolated inside inner leads 14A when sealing the semiconductor device and lead frame 10 with a resin. If the isolated inside inner leads 14A are not held when sealing the semiconductor device and lead frame 10 with a resin, they may be misaligned. The misaligned inside inner leads 14A may be short-circuited to the die pad 13 or outside inner leads 14B, decreasing the efficiency percentage, that is, yield in the package manufacturing process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a technique advantageous for increasing the yield in the package manufacturing process.

One of the aspects of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a package, comprising a first step of forming a metal pattern including a frame and a plurality of leads extending inward from the frame, a second step of molding a resin pattern including a first resin portion which holds the plurality of leads from an inner side thereof, and second resin portions which cover bottom surfaces of peripheral portions, adjacent to portions to be removed, in the plurality of leads while exposing bottom surfaces of the portions to be removed in the plurality of leads, so as to hold the plurality of leads from a lower side thereof, and a third step of cutting the plurality of leads into a plurality of first leads and a plurality of second leads by removing the portions to be removed in the plurality of leads while the resin pattern keeps holding the peripheral portions in the plurality of leads.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the attached drawings).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A to 1L are sectional views and plan views showing a package manufacturing method according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 2A to 2C are sectional views and a plan view showing a package mounting method according to the first embodiment; and

FIGS. 3A to 3L are sectional views and plan views showing a package manufacturing method according to the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A method of manufacturing a package PK according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in order of step with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1L. FIGS. 1A to 1L are sectional views and plan views showing a package manufacturing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The sectional views of FIGS. 1A to 1F show sections taken along chain lines in the plan views of FIGS. 1G to 1L. A package according to the first embodiment is one in which a semiconductor chip is mounted. The semiconductor chip to be mounted contains an image sensor such as a CCD image sensor or CMOS image sensor.

In the step of FIGS. 1A and 1G, a metal plate 1 is prepared. The metal plate 1 has a top surface 1 a and bottom surface 1 b. The metal plate 1 includes the prospective regions of a central portion CP and frame FP. The frame FP is positioned around the central portion CP. The metal plate 1 is formed from a material suitably used for a lead frame, for example, a metal or intermetallic compound mainly containing copper, iron, nickel, or the like.

In the step (first step) of FIGS. 1B and 1H, the metal plate 1 is punched, forming a metal pattern MP. The metal pattern MP includes an opening 1 c, the frame FP, and a plurality of leads LP. The opening 1 c is arranged at the center. The frame FP is formed outside the opening 1 c. The frame FP holds a plurality of leads LP. The leads LP are arranged between the frame FP and the opening 1 c at gaps 1 d between the leads LP. The gaps 1 d extend from the opening 1 c to the frame FP. For example, when the contour of the opening 1 c and the frame FP are almost rectangular, the gaps 1 d extend from the opening 1 c to the frame FP in a direction perpendicular to each side of the rectangle.

When cutting the metal plate 1 without leaving the frame FP outside the opening 1 c and leads LP, unlike the embodiment, the metal plate 1 is cut without holding the leads LP, and the leads LP may be misaligned after cutting.

To the contrary, in the embodiment, the metal plate 1 is cut to leave the frame FP outside the opening 1 c and leads LP. In this case, the metal plate 1 is cut while holding the leads LP. Even after cutting, the leads LP are held by the frame FP and are hardly misaligned.

The leads LP are bent so that each lead LP has a first region 3, second region 4, third region 2, and inclined portions 23 and 24. The first region 3 is a portion in the lead LP and is arranged on the side of the frame FP. The second region 4 is a portion in the lead LP and is arranged on the side of the opening 1 c, that is, inside the first region 3. The third region 2 is at a level higher than the first region 3 and second region 4 and is sandwiched between the first region 3 and the second region 4. The third region 2 is connected to the first region 3 and second region 4 via the inclined portions 23 and 24, respectively. The third region 2 includes a portion 2 a to be removed by cutting in the step of FIGS. 1D and 1J (to be described later), and peripheral portions 2 b adjacent to the portion 2 a to be removed. The inclined portion 23 is inclined to connect the third region 2 and first region 3. The inclined portion 24 is inclined to connect the third region 2 and second region 4. Bending and cutting are executed using, for example, stamping.

In the step (second step) of FIGS. 1C and 1I, a resin pattern RP is molded. More specifically, the resin pattern RP including a first resin portion 6, second resin portions 7 i, and resin member 5 is molded with a resin. The resin is, for example, a thermoset plastic.

The first resin portion 6 fills the opening 1 c so as to hold the plurality of leads LP from the inner side of the leads LP. More specifically, the first resin portion 6 is formed to cover the inclined portion between the second region 4 and the third region 2 in each lead LP from the inside and fill the opening 1 c. The first resin portion 6 has a recess 6 c on a top surface 6 a to mount a semiconductor chip including an image sensor or the like. A bottom surface 6 b is formed to be flush with the bottom surfaces of the first region 3 and second region 4 in the lead LP.

The second resin portions 7 i cover the bottom surfaces of the peripheral portions, adjacent to the portions to be removed, in the leads LP while exposing the bottom surfaces of the portions to be removed in the leads LP so that the second resin portions 7 i hold a plurality of leads LP from the lower side of the leads LP. More specifically, the second resin portions 7 i include a plurality of trenches 7 a and a plurality of main bodies 7 b. The trenches 7 a extend to cross the leads LP adjacent in line. Each trench 7 a exposes the bottom surface of the portion 2 a to be removed by cutting in the step of FIGS. 1D and 1J (to be described later) in the third region 2 of each lead LP. The main bodies 7 b cover the bottom surfaces of the peripheral portions 2 b adjacent to the portion 2 a to be removed in the third region 2 of each lead LP. The main bodies 7 b extend on the two sides of the trench 7 a when viewed from the bottom. The main bodies 7 b extend to be connected to the first resin portion 6 at least at the corner. In other words, the second resin portions 7 i and first resin portion 6 are integrally molded. The second resin portions 7 i and first resin portion 6 can hold a plurality of leads LP in cooperation with each other.

The resin member 5 is formed to cover, from the top, an edge of the third region 2 on the side of the frame FP and an edge of the first region 3 on the side of the opening 1 c. The resin member 5 is formed to have a top surface at a level higher than that in the third region 2.

If no frame FP is arranged outside the leads LP in the metal pattern MP, unlike the embodiment, the resin pattern RP is molded without holding the leads LP. When molding the resin pattern RP, the leads LP may be misaligned. If the leads LP are misaligned from each other, at least some of them may be short-circuited, resulting in a defective package.

To prevent this, the frame FP is arranged outside the leads LP in the metal pattern MP in the embodiment. The resin pattern RP is molded while the frame FP holds the leads LP. The leads LP are hardly misaligned when molding the resin pattern RP. This can increase the efficiency percentage, that is, yield of the package.

In the step (third step) of FIGS. 1D and 1J, the portion 2 a to be removed in each lead LP is removed while the resin pattern RP keeps holding the peripheral portions 2 b in the lead LP. Hence, the leads LP are cut into a plurality of first leads 8 and a plurality of second leads 9. More specifically, the portion 2 a to be removed in the third region 2 is punched from the top, removing the portion 2 a from the lead LP. Accordingly, a slit including a removed region CR and the trench 7 a is formed, and each lead LP is cut into the first lead 8 and second lead 9. The first lead 8 has a first portion 8 a to be bonded and a first land 8 b. A bonding wire is to be bonded to the first portion 8 a. The first land 8 b serves as a land electrode in the package. The second lead 9 has a second portion 9 a to be bonded and a second land 9 b. A bonding wire is to be bonded to the second portion 9 a. The second land 9 b serves as a land electrode in the package.

If the leads LP are cut without holding them by the resin pattern RP, unlike the embodiment, a plurality of first leads 8 and a plurality of second leads 9 may be misaligned during and after cutting.

In the embodiment, however, the leads LP are cut into a plurality of first leads 8 and a plurality of second leads 9 while the resin pattern RP keeps holding the leads LP. More specifically, cutting starts while holding the leads LP, and is completed while holding the first leads 8 and second leads 9. As a consequence, the first leads 8 and second leads 9 are hardly misaligned during and after cutting.

If the portion 2 a to be removed on the bottom surface of the third region 2 of the lead LP is not exposed through the trench 7 a, unlike the embodiment, the third region 2 of the lead LP needs to be cut together with the second resin portion 7 i. A resin used for the package is often hard, so the resin pattern RP may be damaged, for example, chipped or cracked upon cutting the resin together with the lead. The lead LP cannot be cut finely along the designed pattern, and the package may become defective.

To prevent this, the portion 2 a to be removed on the bottom surface of the third region 2 is exposed through the trench 7 a in the embodiment. This reduces the possibility that the resin is cut together when punching, from the top, the portion 2 a to be removed on the bottom surface of the third region 2. In punching, the lead LP can be cut finely along the designed pattern without damaging the resin pattern RP. The efficiency percentage, that is, yield of the package can therefore rise.

Assume that each lead LP does not have portions different in level and extends evenly to be flush with the bottom surface 6 b of the first resin portion 6, unlike the embodiment. In this case, when the package is set on the workbench with the bottom surface 6 b of the first resin portion 6 facing down and the portion 2 a to be removed in the third region 2 is punched from the top, a large force is required to cut the lead LP against the drag force of the mounting surface of the workbench. That is, the lead LP cannot be cut easily.

In contrast, in the embodiment, each lead LP has the third region 2 at a level higher than the first region 3 and second region 4. When the package is set on the workbench with the bottom surface 6 b of the first resin portion 6 facing down and the third region 2 is punched from the top, the lead LP can be cut regardless of the drag force of the mounting surface of the workbench. That is, the lead LP can be cut easily.

In the step of FIGS. 1D and 1J, the leads LP can be cut into a plurality of first leads 8 and a plurality of second leads 9 by using a blade, laser, or the like, instead of punching.

In the step of FIGS. 1E and 1K, the slits each including the removed region CR and trench 7 a are filled with a resin, forming filling portions 7 c. As a result, formation of second resin portions 7 including the filling portions 7 c and main bodies 7 b is completed. More specifically, the filling portions 7 c are formed to insulate the first portions 8 a to be bonded and the second portions 9 a to be bonded. The main bodies 7 b keep covering, from the bottom, the first portions 8 a to be bonded and the second portions 9 a to be bonded.

In the step (fifth step) of FIGS. 1F and 1L, regions IP (see FIG. 1E) between a plurality of second leads 9 and the frame FP are removed by cutting, thereby removing the frame FP and completing formation of the package PK. At this time, the resin pattern RP holds the first leads 8 and second leads 9. More specifically, the first resin portion 6 and second resin portions 7 hold the first leads 8. The second resin portions 7 and resin member 5 hold the second leads 9. The second resin portions 7 hold the gaps between the first leads 8 and the second leads 9. The first resin portion 6 and second resin portions 7 are integrally molded and hold the first leads 8 and second leads 9 in cooperation with each other. This structure suppresses misalignment of the leads LP when removing the frame FP.

A method of mounting the package PK will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C. FIGS. 2A and 2B are sectional views showing respective steps. FIG. 2C is a plan view showing the step in FIG. 2A.

In the step (sixth step) of FIG. 2A, a semiconductor chip 31 is mounted on the top surface of the first resin portion 6 in the resin pattern RP. More specifically, the semiconductor chip 31 is fixed via an adhesive applied to the recess 6 c in the resin pattern RP. The semiconductor chip 31 contains an image sensor such as a CCD image sensor or CMOS image sensor. The semiconductor chip 31 has a plurality of pads PD1 to PDn. The pads PD1 to PDn are connected to the first leads 8 and second leads 9 via bonding wires. For example, as shown in FIG. 2C, bonding wires W1 and W2 are bonded to the pads PD1 and PD2, and the first portion 8 a to be bonded and the second portion 9 a to be bonded, respectively. In other words, the first portions 8 a to be bonded and the second portions 9 a to be bonded are connected to the different pads PD1 to PDn via bonding wires. The pads and leads may be connected by double bonding to increase reliability. Thereafter, a transparent cover 33 is fixed to the resin member 5. More specifically, the transparent cover 33 is fixed to the entire top surface of the resin member 5 to cover the entire surface of the semiconductor chip 31 and seal the inside. The resin member 5 and transparent cover 33 are fixed by, for example, pressing the transparent cover 33 against an adhesive applied to the top surface of the resin member 5, or bringing the transparent cover 33 into contact with the resin member and then applying an adhesive around the transparent cover 33. Consequently, a semiconductor device SD including the semiconductor chip 31, package PK, and transparent cover 33 is formed.

In the step of FIG. 2B, the semiconductor device SD is mounted on a circuit board 41. More specifically, electrodes are formed in advance at positions where the first lands 8 b and second lands 9 b of the semiconductor device SD are to be arranged on the circuit board 41. Solders 42 and 43 heated to liquefy are applied to the electrodes, and the first lands 8 b and second lands 9 b are arranged on the solders 42 and 43. The electrodes of the circuit board 41 are connected to the first lands 8 b and second lands 9 b via the solders 42 and 43. The circuit board 41 includes a flexible circuit board serving as a signal transfer means between the image sensor contained in the semiconductor chip 31, an image processing circuit (not shown), and the like, and an image processing circuit for processing a signal from the image sensor.

The structure of the semiconductor device SD according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 2A. The semiconductor device SD includes the semiconductor chip 31, package PK, and transparent cover 33. The semiconductor chip 31 is mounted on the top surface of the package PK. The semiconductor chip 31 contains the image sensor. The transparent cover 33 is arranged on the top surface of the package PK. The transparent cover 33 protects the semiconductor chip 31 while transmitting light traveling toward the image sensor in the semiconductor chip 31.

The package PK includes the first resin portion 6, first leads 8, second leads 9, second resin portions 7, and resin member 5.

The first resin portion 6 has the top surface 6 a and bottom surface 6 b. The semiconductor chip 31 is mounted on the top surface 6 a of the first resin portion 6. The first resin portion 6 holds a plurality of first leads 8.

The first leads 8 are arranged adjacently outside the first resin portion 6. Each first lead 8 has the first land 8 b, the first portion 8 a to be bonded, and an inclined portion 8 c. The first land 8 b is arranged on the side of the first resin portion 6 and extends to be flush with the bottom surface 6 b of the first resin portion 6. The first land 8 b is usable as a land electrode arranged on the bottom surface of the package PK. The first portion 8 a to be bonded is arranged outside the first land 8 b and extends to be flush with the top surface 6 a of the first resin portion 6. When the bottom surface 6 b of the first resin portion 6 serves as a reference, the first portion 8 a to be bonded can be almost flush with a pad to be connected via a bonding wire on the semiconductor chip 31. That is, the first leads 8 have a structure suitable for easily connecting the first portions 8 a to be bonded and pads via bonding wires.

The second leads 9 are arranged outside the first leads 8. Each second lead 9 has the second portion 9 a to be bonded, the second land 9 b, and an inclined portion 9 c. The second portion 9 a to be bonded is arranged on the side of the first resin portion 6 and extends to be flush with the top surface 6 a of the first resin portion 6. When the bottom surface 6 b of the first resin portion 6 serves as a reference, the second portion 9 a to be bonded can be almost flush with a pad to be connected via a bonding wire on the semiconductor chip 31. That is, the second leads 9 have a structure suited to easily connect the second portions 9 a to be bonded and pads via bonding wires. The second land 9 b is arranged outside the second portion 9 a to be bonded, and extends to be flush with the bottom surface 6 b of the first resin portion 6. The second land 9 b is usable as a land electrode arranged on the bottom surface (lower surface) of the package PK.

Each second resin portion 7 includes the filling portion 7 c which fills the slit, and the main body 7 b. The filling portions 7 c insulate the first portions 8 a to be bonded and the second portions 9 a to be bonded from each other. The main bodies 7 b cover the first portions 8 a to be bonded and the second portions 9 a to be bonded from below them.

The resin member 5 covers, from the top, an edge of the third region 2 on the side of the frame FP and an edge of the first region 3 on the side of the opening 1 c. The resin member 5 extends from the third region 2 and first region 3 in a direction in which it is spaced apart upward. The resin member 5 has a top surface at a level higher than that in the third region 2.

As described above, the first embodiment can provide a semiconductor device suitable for easily connecting portions to be bonded and pads via bonding wires. A plurality of first lands and a plurality of second lands are arranged two-dimensionally on the bottom surface (lower surface) of the package. That is, land electrodes are arranged in a rectangular shape on two lines. This arrangement can easily increase the packaging density.

A method of manufacturing a package PKj according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3L. FIGS. 3A to 3L are sectional views and plan views showing a package manufacturing method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The sectional views of FIGS. 3A to 3F show sections taken along chain lines in the plan views of FIGS. 3G to 3L. A difference from the first embodiment will be mainly explained.

In the step of FIGS. 3B and 3H, a metal plate 1 is punched, similar to the step of FIGS. 1B and 1H. A plurality of leads LPj are bent so that each lead LPj further has a fourth region 11 j and inclined portion 41 j. The fourth region 11 j is at a level higher than a first region 3 and second region 4, and is sandwiched between the second region 4 and an opening 1 c, that is, inside from the second region 4. The fourth region 11 j is connected to the second region 4 via the inclined portion 41 j. The inclined portion 41 j is inclined to connect the fourth region 11 j and second region 4.

In the step of FIGS. 3C and 3I, a resin pattern RPj is molded with a resin. The resin pattern RPj further includes third resin portions 17 i. The third resin portions 17 i cover the top surfaces of peripheral portions, adjacent to second portions 4 a to be removed, in the leads LPj while exposing the top surfaces of the second portions 4 a to be removed in the leads LPj by cutting in the step of FIGS. 3D and 3J (to be described later) so that the third resin portions 17 i hold a plurality of leads LPj from above them. More specifically, the third resin portions 17 i include a plurality of second trenches 17 a and a plurality of second main bodies 17 b. The second trenches 17 a extend between trenches 7 a and a first resin portion 6 to cross the leads LPj adjacent in line. Each trench 17 a exposes the top surface of the second portion 4 a to be removed by cutting in the step of FIGS. 3D and 3J (to be described later) in the second region 4 of each lead LPj. The second main bodies 17 b cover the top surfaces of the peripheral portions 4 b adjacent to the second portion 4 a to be removed in the second region 4 of each lead LPj. The second main bodies 17 b extend on the two sides of the second trench 17 a when viewed from the top. The second main bodies 17 b extend to be connected to the first resin portion 6 at least at the corner. In other words, the third resin portions 17 i, second resin portions 7 i, and first resin portion 6 are integrally molded. The third resin portions 17 i, second resin portions 7 i, and first resin portion 6 can hold a plurality of leads LPj in cooperation with each other.

In the step of FIGS. 3D and 3J, the second portion 4 a to be removed in each lead LPj is removed while the resin pattern RPj keeps holding the peripheral portions 4 b adjacent to the second portion 4 a to be removed in the lead LPj. As a result, the leads LPj are cut into a plurality of first leads 8 and a plurality of third leads 10 j. More specifically, the second portion 4 a to be removed in the second region 4 is punched from the bottom, removing the second portion 4 a from the lead LPj. Accordingly, a slit including a removed region CRj and the second trench 17 a is formed, and each lead LPj is cut into the first lead 8 and third lead 10 j. The third lead 10 j has a third portion 10 a to be bonded and a third land 10 b. A bonding wire is to be bonded to the third portion 10 a. The third land 10 b serves as a land electrode in the package.

In the step of FIGS. 3E and 3K, the slits each including the removed region CRj and second trench 17 a are filled with a resin, forming second filling portions 17 c. Consequently, formation of third resin portions 17 j including the second filling portions 17 c and second main bodies 17 b is completed. More specifically, the second filling portions 17 c are formed to insulate the first lands 8 b and the third lands 10 b. The second main bodies 17 b keep covering the first lands 8 b and third lands 10 b from above them.

In the step of FIGS. 3F and 3L, regions IP (see FIG. 3E) between a plurality of second leads 9 and a frame FP are cut, thereby removing the frame FP and completing formation of the package PKj. At this time, the resin pattern RPj hold the first leads 8 and third leads 10 j. More specifically, the second resin portions 7 and third resin portions 17 j hold the first leads 8. The first resin portion 6 and third resin portions 17 j hold the third leads 10 j. The third resin portions 17 j hold the gaps between the first leads 8 and the third leads 10 j. The third resin portions 17 j, second resin portions 7, and first resin portion 6 are integrally molded and hold the first leads 8, second leads 9, and third leads 10 j in cooperation with each other. This structure suppresses misalignment of the leads LPj when removing the frame FP.

In the package PKj according to the second embodiment, a plurality of first lands, a plurality of second lands, and a plurality of third lands are arranged two-dimensionally on the bottom surface (lower surface) of the package. That is, land electrodes are arranged in a rectangular shape on three lines. This arrangement can easily increase the packaging density.

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-156325, filed Jun. 30, 2009 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for manufacturing a package, comprising: a first step of forming a metal pattern including a frame and a plurality of leads extending inward from the frame; a second step of molding a resin pattern including a first resin portion which holds the plurality of leads from an inner side thereof, and second resin portions which cover bottom surfaces of peripheral portions in the plurality of leads and which have trenches exposing bottom surfaces of potions to be removed, so as to hold the plurality of leads from a lower side thereof; and a third step of cutting the plurality of leads into a plurality of first leads and a plurality of second leads by removing the portions to be removed in the plurality of leads while the resin pattern keeps holding the peripheral portions in the plurality of leads.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first resin portion and the second resin portions are integrally molded.
 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: a fourth step of filling, with a resin, a region removed in said third step; a fifth step of removing the frame after said fourth step; and a sixth step of mounting a semiconductor chip on a top surface of the first resin portion in the resin pattern after said fifth step.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, in said first step, each of the plurality of leads is formed to have a first region, a second region arranged inside from the first region, and a third region which is at a level higher than the first region and the second region, is sandwiched between the first region and the second region, and is connected to the first region and the second region, and the third region includes the portion to be removed.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the resin pattern further includes third resin portions which cover top surfaces of peripheral portions, adjacent to second portions to be removed, in the plurality of leads while exposing top surfaces of the second portions to be removed in the plurality of leads, so as to hold the plurality of leads from an upper side thereof, and in said third step, the plurality of leads are cut into the plurality of first leads and a plurality of third leads by removing the second portions to be removed in the plurality of leads while the resin pattern keeps holding the peripheral portions in the plurality of leads.
 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, in said first step, each of the plurality of leads is formed to further have a fourth region which is at a level higher than the first region and the second region and is arranged inside from the second region, and the fourth region includes the second portion to be removed.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, in said second step, the first resin portion and the second resin portions are molded simultaneously.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said third step includes punching the plurality of leads so as to cut the plurality of leads into the plurality of first leads and the plurality of second leads. 